The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits 2215 Sanders Road Northbrook, IL 60062-6135

Number 2.3.32 Subject Flux Induced Corrosion (Copper Mirror Method) Date 1/95 Revision C

IPC-TM-650 TEST METHODS MANUAL

1.0 Scope This test method is designed to determine the removal effect the flux has (if any) on the bright copper mirror film which has been vacuum deposited on clear glass. 2.0 Applicable Documents ASTM E104

Originating Task Group Flux Specifications Task Group (5-24a)

5.1.1 Preparation of Control Standard Flux

Dissolve 35 g of Federal Specification LLL-R-626 rosin into 100 ml of reagent grade 99% 2-propanol and stir thoroughly.
5.1.2 Preparation of Temperature/Humidity Chamber

Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by means of Aqueous Solutions Rosin, Gum, Rosin Wood and Rosin Tall Oil

LLL-R-626

When acid or salt solutions, such as reported in ASTM E104, are used the environment shall be monitored for a minimum of 48 hours prior to exposing the copper mirror samples, to assure compliance with the 50% 5% relative humidity requirement.
5.1.3

A minimum of 100 ml of liquid flux, a representative container of solder paste, reflowed solderpaste flux, extracted solder preform flux or extracted fluxcored wire.
3.0 Test Specimen 4.0 Apparatus and Reagents 4.1 0.5L of control standard rosin flux, class A, type II, grade WW, of LLL-R-626. 4.2 0.5L of reagent grade (99% pure) 2-propanol. 4.3 A vacuum deposition system or the means to procure glass test panels having a copper mirror coating as described in paragraph 5 below. 4.4 0.5L of reagent grade 0.5% solution of ethylene diamine

Preparation of Copper Mirror Test Panels.

5.1.3.1 Apply by vacuum deposition, a film of copper metal on one surface of a flat sheet or clear, polished glass. 5.1.3.2 Apply a uniform thickness of approximately 50 nm and assure that the finished mirror permits 10 5% transmission of normal incident light of nominal wave length of 500 nm. This may be determined using a suitable photoelectric spectrophotometer. Commercially available copper mirrors meeting the above specifications are acceptable. (See 6.2.) 5.1.3.3 Prevent oxidation of the copper mirror by storing in a closed container which has been flushed with nitrogen. 5.1.3.4 Immediately before testing, immerse the copper mirror in a 5 g/l solution of EDTA for copper oxide removal. MIrrors stored in a non-oxidizing environment, do not require cleaning with the EDTA solution prior to testing. The cleaning step must be used if test results are in dispute. 5.1.3.5 Rinse thoroughly in running water, immerse in clean ethanol or methanol and dry with clean, oil free air. 5.1.3.6 Carefully examine the mirror before testing. There must be no oxide. 5.2 Test

tetra acetic acid (EDTA).

4.5 0.5L of reagent grade ethanol or methanol. 4.6 100 ml medicine bottle with dropper. 4.7 Test cabinet capable of achieving 23 2C and 50 5% relative humidity. 4.8 Glass slides 4.9 A relative humidity gauge having a 2% accuracy, or

better, shall be used to continuously monitor the test environment. The gauge should be calibrated periodically.
5.0 Procedures 5.1 Preparation

5.2.1

Place the copper mirror test panel on a flat surface, mirror side up, and protect from dust and dirt at all times. Place one drop of test flux or extract to be tested (approximately 0.05 ml) on each copper mirror test panel. Do not allow the dropper to touch the test panel.

5.2.2

Material in this Test Methods Manual was voluntarily established by Technical Committees of the IPC. This material is advisory only and its use or adaptation is entirely voluntary. IPC disclaims all liability of any kind as to the use, application, or adaptation of this material. Users are also wholly responsible for protecting themselves against all claims or liabilities for patent infringement. Equipment referenced is for the convenience of the user and does not imply endorsement by the IPC.

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IPC-TM-650 Number 2.3.32 Revision C Subject Flux Induced Corrosion (Copper Mirror Method) Date 1/95

L
No Breakthrough

M
Less Than 50% Breakthrough

H
Greater Than 50% Breakthrough

Figure 1 5.2.3

Flux type classication by copper mirror test

Solder-paste shall be applied directly to the mirror without scratching the copper mirror, with a volume approximating a 0.5 mm thickness and 8 mm diameter. (It has been determined that significant variations from this quantity have little effect for most materials.) Immediately also place one drop of the control standard flux adjacent to the test flux. Do not allow drops to touch. Place test panels in a horizontal position in the dust free cabinet at 23 2C and 50 5% relative humidity for 24 1/2 hours. At the end of the 24 hour period, remove the test panels and remove the test flux and control standard fluxes by immersion in clean 2-propanol.

copper only around the perimeter of the drop defines the flux as M. Complete removal of the copper places the flux in the H category. (See Figure 1).
5.3.3

If the control flux fails, repeat the entire test, using new copper mirror test panels. Discoloration of the copper film due to a superficial reaction or only a partial reduction of the copper film thickness is not considered a failure. A number of chemicals can cause failure of copper mirror: free halides, stronger organic and inorganic acids and free amines.

5.2.4

5.3.4

5.2.5

5.3.5

5.2.6

6.0 Notes 6.1 Safety Observe all appropriate precautions on MSDS for chemicals involved in this test method. 6.2 Sources for prepared copper mirrors 6.2.1 6.2.2

5.3 Evaluation 5.3.1

Carefully examine each test panel for possible copper removal or discoloration. If there is any complete removal of the copper film as evidenced by the background showing through the glass, the test flux has failed the L category. Complete removal of the

Evaporated Metal Films, Inc., Ithaca, NY 14850.

5.3.2

Clausing PA Co., 8038 Monticello Ave., Skokie, IL, 708/267-3399

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